Myasthenia Gravis

[hashiguy]

Hello,

I am curious if anyone knows what specific blood tests there are to help diagnose MG?

I unfortunately have the dynamic duo of thyroid trouble - Hashimoto's and Graves' Disease.

Recently my family noticed my left eye drooping and thought it was odd. I took a picture and gave it to my Endo and he suspected MG but I havent been tested any further. The drooping eye could theoretically be a result of poor thyroid performance.

When I get these "bouts" it only seems to affect the left side of my face. My left eye droops and is pretty noticably smaller than my right when this happens and the overall appearance of the left side of my face "looks funny" compared to my right - almost like you see after a stroke but not as drastic. My lips look a little off and the expression looks a bit odd - just slightly. The biggest difference is my eye.

My Graves' Disease could explain a lot of the other symptoms like leg weakness and I get this "buzzing" feeling in my legs and belly from time to time.

Just wondering if there are specific tests to help diagnose MG? What are the names of the blood tests?

It appears I am an endocinologist's nightmare - everything seems to be off and I've dealt with this for like 7 years now on and off.

[myodoc]

The symptoms of periodic weakness of the left eye leading to a droop are characteristic of ocular myasthenia. If this has stayed stable without spread for the past seven years, that is a good sign. Nevertheless, I would recommend neurologic consultation to test for antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor and skeletal muscle. A CT scan of the chest is sometimes recommended to look for a thymus tumor and electrodiagnostic studies. Those who have a history of other autoimmune disease such as thyroid can develop antibodies to other systems, such as the neuromuscular junction.

Hope this is helpful.